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02/19/1999LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER February 19, 1999 Present: Christine Morris Chair Judy Melges Vice Chair Estelle Dunn Board Member Tom Leavy Board Member Howard Adler Board Member Glenn Garte Board Member Katherine Merriam Board Member William Raffaniello Board Member Jill Perrino Board Member Also Present: John Szabo Assistant Library Director Julie Lewis Library Foundation Holly Ausanio Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. at the Main Library. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #1 – Welcome New Board member Jill Perrino was welcomed. ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes Member Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 15, 1999, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report Main, East and North Greenwood Library Updates Main Library Assistant Library Director John Szabo reviewed referendum question #13 regarding authorizing the City Commission to borrow more than $1 million without going to referendum. Approval of this referendum would aid in the construction of the new Main Library. If it fails, a question specific to the Library might be brought forward in a future election. On February 5, staff, architects and consultants for the Main Library, new bridge and downtown redevelopment discussed the realignment of roadways and other redevelopment issues. Several locations for the new Main Library were discussed, and a decision is expected by March end. North Greenwood Branch Mr. Szabo stated the new North Greenwood Library will be located on the southwest corner of Palmetto St. and North Greenwood Ave. and will double in size to 6,000 sq ft. The cost is estimated at $1.5 million to be partially funded by grants from the State and Cooperative. Anticipated completion is in the year 2001. In response to a question, Mr. Szabo stated if the funding was not sufficient to build a 6,000 sq ft library, the City Commission could decide to downsize the project or from where the additional funds would come. He stated the size of the project is not a determining factor in qualifying for the State funding. A recreation center is also planned for the site, which extends from N. Greenwood and Palmetto to Seminole Blvd. East Branch Mr. Szabo stated the City Commission is expected to reconsider the joint use library with Saint Petersburg Junior College. Discussion ensued regarding the Board's support of the joint use library and the best way to present their position to the City Commission. Member Levy moved to write a letter to the City Commission requesting they reconsider the joint use library project, and that the Library Board be provided with the same information provided to the Commission. Member Merriam seconded the motion. Discussion ensued with Board consensus that they not include a request for information. Member Garte moved to amend the motion to not include a request for information from the City Commission, but to remind them of the Board's support for the joint use facility. Member Melges seconded the motion. Discussion ensued whether bringing the joint use facility to the forefront at this time would interfere with the new Main Library project. It was stated some perceived the joint library may take away from Main's space needs. However, whether the City addresses the joint use facility now or in the fall, SPJC will not go before the legislature for funds until March, 2000. Funds for the Seminole project are being solicited now. There was general consensus to wait for an update from the Library Director. Member Garte withdrew his amendment to the motion. Member Levy withdrew his motion. Member Garte moved to table the discussion regarding the joint use library until the March meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. b) Budget preparation: 2000/2001 All departments have been directed to identify areas where cuts can be made, with 10% overall being the goal. Areas where services can be noticeably enhanced if there were a 10% increase are also being identified. Several representatives of the Clearwater Library System will attend Library Day at the Legislature in Tallahassee. ITEM #5 – Unfinished Business Year-round monthly meetings Board consensus was to table this discussion to the March meeting. ITEM #6 – New Business - None. ITEM #7 – Reports Foundation Library Foundation Member Julie Lewis reported the Cognoscenti Auction was a great success, raising $17,000. The majority of attendees preferred the Harborview over the Adler Room. The Feasibility Study has been received and an executive summary will be provided to the Library Board. Overall, the perception was there is a great need for a public relations campaign to educate the public about the benefits of the Library, the behind-the-scenes organizations that help fund many of the Library's activities, and how citizens and businesses can be involved. CMSA Advertising, of Clearwater, will assist with the public relations campaign. Friends Chair Morris reported membership is increasing. Friends members will also lobby in Tallahassee on Library Day. The luncheon at Cove Cay on January 30 was a success. There will be a Volunteer Tea Day, April 18 at East Branch. Though not yet approved, the new budget is allocating more funds to the Foundation for the new Main Library project. Discussion ensued regarding the need for publicity for the Friends organization to recruit more members and volunteers. Suggestions made include brochures, handouts at the Circulation desk and providing information on the computer checkout slip. ITEM #8 – Board Comments Chairperson Morris stated three members have terms expiring the end of this year. This would be a good opportunity to reduce the number of members to seven. Ms. Morris asked for Board direction regarding the donation policy issue. Ms. Lewis stated the Board's letter to the Commission has been referred to the City Attorney, but no action is expected until after the election. Member Melges complimented Julie Lewis and John Szabo for doing an excellent job with the Cognoscenti auction. Member Garte remarked how people love the new Beach Branch Library location; that it is a huge success. ITEM # 9 – Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.